Q. This question may have been asked already – but is there a chance that the 12-inch LOTR line will be resurrected? I just wish you could at least complete the Fellowship (two more Hobbits – please!). It’s just frustrating that I can’t get a complete decent 12-inch line that has all 9 characters. Dragon In Dream (DID) had a great line but only had 6 of the 9 characters made as well. Also, Saruman would be a great addition. -AND- Is there any chance you are going to finish what was started with the 12-inch figures for LOTR – Pippin, Merry, Gimli?

A. Yes, there is a chance, but we’ll have to repeat that we’re not currently developing any 12-inch LOTR figures. We will DEFINITELY alert everyone if there’s a change in our planning.

Q. Warner has announced that the LOTR trilogy will be out on Blu-Ray April 6th, 2010, and the press release said they are planning a big merchandising push. Could you share some of your plans for said release?

A. Certainly! We’ve given some support to WB and Best Buy related to the Blu-Ray release, in gift card form, which they’re likely to announce any day now. In conjunction, we’ve announced our new statue series, bringing ‘The Lord of the Rings’ characters back in 1:6 scale! [Click Here to Watch the Video Announcement]

Q. Your Star Wars Premium Format line continues to be astounding, but it needs more fan favorite characters please. What are the chances there will be a Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca and Emperor (in throne) from the OT? What about Aayla Secura, Qui-Gon, Mace Windu or Queen Amidala/Arena Padme from the Prequels?

A. Good, Fair to Good, Definite, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Fair – in that order. Everyone you listed is likely to see a PF figure done at some point. It’s simply a matter of when.

Q. I pre-ordered the Jedi Luke Premium Format and I am excited to get him later this year. Although I mainly collect the 1/6th scale figures, which are awesome. I would like to make a suggestion that is maybe a bit obvious: Rebel Pilot Luke. The Kenner pilot Luke was an iconic figure and it seems that it would fit nicely into the 1/6th scale line. The possibilities are endless with the fabric and details of the suit; it really would make an awesome figure. The ESB version with an exclusive ascension gun or alternate head with the helmet lining would be the definitive version, don’t you think?

A. Thanks for your support on the Luke figure. He seems to be a big hit! Rebel Pilot Luke is a definite, and probably some representation of both his X-Wing and Snowspeeder gear – there are many subtle but important differences in his gear.

Q. I really enjoyed your last “Ask Sideshow” answers and because they’re so good, I decided to ask a question by my own. I am a big fan and collector of your 12-inch Star Wars line, and I was a bit disappointed that it looks like that some named characters could possibly be left out in the future. For example, I have been waiting for a Count Dooku and Mara Jade 12-inch version for a very long time now. Those are characters that I think could really complete the current Lords of the Sith and Order of the Jedi lines. After reading that there is a lot of work currently going on for Max Reebo and so on for the Jabba diorama line, now I am a little bit scared that those 2 characters and others will never make an appearance in the line. Will you guys produce other characters like Mara while also doing the Jabba figures, or do some collectors have to expect a collecting pause because there will be only figures for the Jabba line in the near future?

A. Thanks for your question, and we’re glad to have you! Count Dooku is certainly not going to get left out, that or the head sculpt that we’ve completed is going to go to complete waste.

Q. So if I read it correctly, we may possibly be getting Star Wars comiquettes based on Expanded Universe comic characters? Wouldn’t it be something if a wonderful artist like, say, Adam Hughes designed one or two? Seeing that he has done some Legacy covers. Could you imagine an AH! Slave Leia? I know I could. Please, Sideshow, make it happen! -AND- Since most Star Wars Expanded Universe characters come from the comics anyway, why not do a separate line of Star Wars Comiquettes? That way, they could be portrayed in more action-oriented poses, either by themselves, or combined with OTHER EU characters in ‘Vs’ dioramas. As it is, and I know some will disagree, the static poses of the Premium Format just don’t suit the EU characters as well, and they look out of place next to characters everyone already recognizes. Just a thought.

A. Hmmm… interesting thoughts. We can’t give you any details just yet, but you’re on the right track!

Q. While Sideshow remains focused on delivering all variations on the militaries of Star Wars, I hope one day soon they are considering a 1/6 scale McQuarrie Concept Stormtrooper? I for one would love having this next to all of the other stormy variations!

A. We fully agree. Although we haven’t started development on any McQuarrie design versions of 1:6 scale products, we do have a STRONG affinity for his versions of the Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, and Boba Fett. Maybe even Yoda.

Q. Using the old molds of your Boba Fett Premium Format, is it possible in the future to make a Jango Fett Premium Format? Because these two figures are very similar! … THANKS!!

A. Similar indeed, but we wouldn’t be able to use any of the molds from Boba Fett to make Jango Fett. Jango is in the works but will be entirely new.

Q. What are the chances of a Premium Format Ki-Adi-Mundi getting made?

A. The chances are better than Yaddle or Even Piell but maybe not as good as some of the female Jedi Council members. Ki Adi is definitely a candidate, maybe even a contender.

Q. When can we expect a 12-inch Cobra Crimson Guard?

A. This question has been answered in our Production Blog, complete with a tantalizing sneak peek image! [Click Here to View]